King County's Native Plant Salvage Program seeks volunteers for habitat restoration

Rather than allowing native plants and vegetation to be wasted during land-clearing activities, King County enlists community volunteers to help salvage valuable trees and shrubs from areas slated for construction, then replants them at restoration sites.

Once replanted, native vegetation helps reduce erosion, shade streams and improve fish and wildlife habitat.

Volunteers are needed Feb. 2 to help dig up native trees and shrubs at a Redmond Ridge site that is scheduled for development. Later that same day, volunteers will be needed to pot the salvaged plants at the King County native plant holding facility.

Volunteers can get their hands dirty for a great environmental cause from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the salvage site, or from 1-4 p.m. at the native plant holding facility.

Directions to the Redmond Ridge salvage site: From I-405, I-5 or Hwy. 520: Take eastbound 520 through Redmond and continue north on Avondale Road. Turn right (east) on Novelty Hill Road. Turn right (south) on Eastridge Drive Northeast. Look for signs directing volunteers to the site.

Directions to the native plant holding facility: From I-5 or I-405, take I-90 east to Highland Drive exit (exit 18) in Issaquah. Stay left on the off-ramp to continue on Highland Drive. Continue through several lights before turning right on Issaquah-Fall City Road. Just past Endeavor Elementary School, stay straight on Duthie Hill Road. The holding facility is in Duthie Hill Park, on the right-hand side of the road, 27101 Duthie Hill Rd.

Volunteers are reminded to dress for the weather and be prepared to get dirty. Sturdy shoes or boots are recommended. Gloves, tools and light refreshments will be provided. A parent or guardian must accompany volunteers under 16 years old.

For more information or to sign up for either event, contact Greg Rabourn at 206-296-1923, or e-mail greg.rabourn@kingcounty.gov. For more information on the Native Plant Salvage Program visit http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/pi/salopps.htm on the Internet.